Canadian Crisps

I have said this before, and I will likely say it again, there are just so many crackers out there vying for your attention. The cracker glut is likely due to a number of factors including: crackers are astonishingly cheap to make and have a remarkable markup, they are shelf stable and can live happily, unopened in a box for months if not years, and people just love eating crackers. Am I forgetting something?

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All things considered, the cracker glut shows no sign of slowing, so we might as well enjoy all things crisp, buttery, and crunchy while we are still able to enjoy them. One new notable addition to the cracker surplus is Lesley Stowe's Raincoast Crisps. This unapologetic "gourmet" cracker exalts the quotidian nature of a snacking cracker with the addition of dried ingredients like olives, figs, cranberries, rosemary, and flax seeds (not all in one cracker, mind you). For me, not all of the cracker combinations worked as seamlessly and harmoniously as some of the others, but all were interesting and had their merits.

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All of the Leslie Stowe varieties are asymmetrical-shaped crisps that appear like thin and diminutive slices of fruit nut bread, which have been baked into crackers. My personal favorite is the Cranberry Hazelnut variety with bits of cranberry pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and sesame seeds visible in every cracker. The Rosemary Raisin Pecan variety are also greatly appealing, as they are well served as a vehicle for a big slice of fresh mozzarella. Each cracker is light, buttery (due to its premiere ingredient buttermilk) and, because of their crisp, dry nature, screaming out for some sort of cheese or topping. Depending on the flavor profile, I would recommend anything from hummus to goat cheese, or even a rich Brie cheese or any washed rind cheese.

Leslie Stowe's Raincoast Crisps (made in Vancouver, BC, hence the Raincoast name) are free of any preservatives, and made with straightforward natural ingredients. They are hearty, wholesome, and an ideal "gourmet" addition to a cocktail party or hors d'oeuvre table.

Leslie Stowe's Raincoast Crisps are sold in 6-ounce boxes (approx $7 a box) and are available at select Whole Foods Markets.